Response to new Chief Constable announcement

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson has appointed Mr Patrick Geenty as the permanent Wiltshire Police Chief Constable.

He is the first PCC to exercise his power to appoint a Chief Constable since the elections for the UK's first Police & Crime Commissioners took place last November.

“I am delighted to be appointing Patrick Geenty as the substantive Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police. As it is such an important role, it was a priority for me to recruit for this post as soon as possible after taking office.

“Mr Geenty has been the temporary Chief Constable since March last year. During that time, and throughout the recruitment process, he has shown a real commitment to leading the Force effectively, working to ensure Wiltshire continues to be one of the safest counties in the country.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is an outstanding leader and I am very pleased that we will be working together to deliver my forthcoming Police and Crime Plan.”

“I am very proud to be appointed as the substantive Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police. I will continue to lead the Force, working alongside Mr Macpherson and other colleagues, to continue to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the county and deliver his Police and Crime Plan, due to be published by the end of March.

“We are working within a challenging financial climate, however I am confident we will continue to provide an effective and efficient police service for the people of Wiltshire.”